Analysing the 3PL service provider’s evaluation criteria through a sustainable approach

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to identify and model the evaluation criteria for the selection of third-party logistics service provider (3PLSP) by an interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach in the pharmaceutical sector. Design/methodology/approach - Delphi technique was used for identifying the most significant criteria, and the ISM method was employed for developing the interrelationship among the criteria. Also, the critical criteria for having high influential power were identified by using the Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement analysis. Findings - The most significant factors, namely, capability of robust supply network/distribution network, quality certification and health safety, service quality and environmental quality certifications, were found to have a high driving power, and these factors demand the maximum attention of the decision makers. Research limitations/implications - As the ISM approach is a qualitative tool, the expert opinions were used for developing the structural model, and the judgments of the experts could be biased influencing the reliability of the model. The developed hierarchical concept is proposed to help the executives, decision and policy makers in formulating the strategies and the evaluation of sustainable 3PLSP. Originality/value - It is an original research highlighting the association between the sustainable 3PLSP evaluation criteria by employing ISM tool in the pharmaceutical industry. This paper will guide the managers in understanding the importance of the evaluation criteria for the efficient selection of 3PLSP.